Shredding Calories: The Surprising Benefits of Skateboarding as a Workout

AvatarByGenny Wilkinson Priest

Skateboarding has come a long way from being just a recreational activity for fun-loving teenagers. Today, it has evolved into a popular sport and is rapidly gaining recognition as a form of exercise. While some may view it as simply cruising around on a skateboard, there is much more to it than meets the eye. Many avid skateboarders swear by its physical and mental benefits and claim it to be an excellent workout. But is skateboarding really a good exercise? In this article, we will delve deeper into the world of skateboarding and explore whether it truly lives up to the hype as a viable form of exercise. So, let’s grab our boards and dive in.

Skateboarding has gained immense popularity over the years, not just as a recreational activity but also as a competitive sport. It involves riding and performing tricks on a skateboard, which is a type of small board with four wheels attached to the bottom. While it may seem like just another form of fun and entertainment, many people wonder if skateboarding can also be considered a good exercise. The answer to this question is not a simple yes or no. Skateboarding can indeed provide numerous physical benefits if done with proper technique and precautions. In this article, we will delve into the details and explore whether skateboarding can be categorized as a good exercise or not.

The Muscles Involved in Skateboarding

Skateboarding involves multiple muscle groups that are used in different ways to maintain balance, propel the board forward, perform tricks, and absorb impact. The primary muscles involved in skateboarding are the legs, core, back, shoulders, and arms.

Legs: As you push off with your back foot to gain speed and control direction, your quads (front of thighs), hamstrings (back of thighs), glutes (buttocks), and calves (back of lower legs) are activated. These muscles also come into play when making quick turns or maintaining balance on the board.

Core: Your core muscles, including the abdominals and obliques, play a crucial role in stabilizing your body while skateboarding. They help maintain proper posture and balance as you ride on an uneven surface.

Back: The lower back muscles are engaged when bending down to maneuver the skateboard using your hands or to do tricks that require crouching low. Meanwhile, the upper back muscles are involved in maintaining proper posture and balance.

Shoulders & Arms: While not as heavily involved as other muscle groups, your shoulders and arms still play a significant role in skateboarding. They are used for steering the board and performing tricks like grabs or flips, which require upper body strength.

The Cardiovascular Benefits of Skateboarding

Cardiovascular exercises are known to improve the health of your heart, lungs, and overall cardiovascular system. These exercises increase your heart rate and breathing rate, causing an influx of oxygen into your body. Skateboarding can also provide similar benefits and help improve your cardiovascular health.

The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity per week for adults. Skateboarding can be an effective way to achieve these recommendations as it involves continuous movement and engages multiple muscle groups simultaneously. Riding a skateboard for just 30 minutes can burn approximately 250 calories for an average person, which is equivalent to jogging or cycling at a moderate pace.

Moreover, studies have shown that activities like skateboarding can also help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reduce the risk of heart disease, and boost overall immune function.

Improves Balance & Coordination

Skateboarding requires a high level of balance and coordination to maintain control of the board while riding through various terrains or performing tricks. This level of balance can only be achieved by continuously challenging yourself with different surfaces and mastering new tricks.

Studies have shown that practicing balance-intensive activities like skateboarding regularly can improve neuromuscular coordination, which is essential not just for athletic performance but for accomplishing everyday tasks as well. Moreover, enhanced balance and coordination skills can help prevent falls and injuries in older age.

Full-Body Workout

Many people believe that skateboarding only works out the legs since they are most visibly in action while riding the board. However, as mentioned earlier, skateboarding involves numerous muscle groups, making it a full-body workout when done correctly with proper form.

In addition to strengthening your legs, core, and back, skateboarding also engages your arms and shoulders, providing an effective upper body workout. The constant movement and changing of positions also activate fast-twitch muscle fibers, which help improve muscle power and speed.

Improves Mental Health

Apart from the physical benefits, skateboarding can also have a positive impact on your mental health. Just like any other physical activity, skateboarding can help release endorphins – feel-good hormones that reduce stress and improve mood. A study published in the Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology showed that activities like skateboarding can have a positive impact on one’s self-esteem and confidence levels.

Moreover, learning new tricks or overcoming challenges in skateboarding can boost self-efficacy – the belief in one’s own abilities to perform a task successfully. This sense of accomplishment can lead to improved mental well-being and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.

The Importance of Safety Precautions

While skateboarding does provide many health benefits, it is essential to take proper safety measures to prevent injuries. Wearing appropriate protective gear like helmets, wrist guards, knee pads, and elbow pads is crucial for reducing the risk of serious injuries. Moreover, practicing skateboarding on smooth surfaces without traffic or ob

Overview of Skateboarding as a Form of Exercise

Skateboarding has long been associated with rebellious teenagers and extreme sports enthusiasts. However, what many people fail to realize is that skateboarding is not just a recreational activity, but also a great form of exercise. With its origins dating back to the 1950s in California, skateboarding has evolved into a popular sport that can provide numerous physical and mental health benefits. In this article, we will explore the various aspects of skateboarding as a form of exercise and why it is an excellent choice for people of all ages.

The Physical Benefits of Skateboarding

When we think of exercise, we often imagine hitting the gym or going for a run. However, skating can offer a unique and challenging workout that targets different muscle groups in the body. Firstly, the constant balancing on the skateboard requires core and leg muscles to engage, providing an excellent full-body workout. As you propel yourself forward on the board, your leg muscles are strengthened and toned. Additionally, tricks such as ollies and kickflips require explosive leg movements which can improve muscle power and agility.

Skateboarding is also known to improve cardiovascular health. As with any physical activity, skating increases your heart rate and gets your blood pumping. This helps to improve circulation and strengthens your heart over time. Regular skateboarding can also contribute to weight loss and management as it burns calories while keeping you active and engaged.

Aside from these physical benefits, skateboarding can also improve your overall coordination and balance. The constant shifting of weight on the board challenges your body’s ability to maintain equilibrium, thus enhancing coordination skills. This improved balance can translate into other areas of life such as sports or everyday tasks like walking or standing for extended periods.

The Mental Benefits of Skateboarding

Not only does skateboarding provide significant physical benefits, but it also has a positive impact on mental health. The sport requires you to focus and be fully present in the moment, which can help reduce stress and anxiety. The feeling of adrenaline and accomplishment when landing a new trick can also boost self-confidence and improve overall mood.

Moreover, skateboarding can be an excellent outlet for creativity and self-expression. From choosing the design of your board to developing your unique style of skating, there is always room for individuality in this sport. This aspect can be incredibly fulfilling and empowering for individuals of all ages.

Safety Precautions for Skateboarding

As with any activity, safety should always be a top priority while skateboarding. Wearing proper protective gear, such as helmets, knee pads, and elbow pads, can prevent serious injuries from falls or collisions. It is also essential to skate in designated areas, free from traffic or other potential hazards. Regularly checking your skateboard’s condition is also crucial to ensure that it is safe to use.

Furthermore, it is crucial to listen to your body while skateboarding and not push yourself beyond your limits. As with any physical activity, injuries can occur if the body is overworked without proper rest and recovery time.

Incorporating Skateboarding into Your Exercise Routine

Skateboarding may not seem like a typical exercise choice for some people, but it can be easily incorporated into anyone’s fitness regimen. Whether you are looking for an alternative way to stay active or simply enjoy the sport itself, there are various ways you can include skating in your exercise routine.

Skatepark sessions are great for those looking for an intense full-body workout as you maneuver around ramps and obstacles. If you prefer a more leisurely pace, cruising around town on your skateboard or using it as a mode of transportation is an excellent way to get some cardio in without feeling like you’re exercising.

Group skateboarding classes or clubs are also becoming increasingly popular, offering a supportive and social environment to practice and improve skating skills while getting a workout in.

Skateboarding is not just a fun activity but also an effective form of exercise with numerous physical and mental benefits. From improving muscle strength and cardiovascular health to boosting confidence and creativity, this sport has something to offer for everyone. Remember to always skate safely and listen to your body, and you can enjoy the physical and mental rewards of skateboarding for years to come. So the next time someone asks if skateboarding is a good exercise, you can confidently answer with a resounding yes!

1. Is skateboarding considered a good form of exercise?
Yes, skateboarding can be a great form of exercise as it involves using multiple muscle groups, improves balance and coordination, and increases cardiovascular endurance.

2. What are the physical benefits of skateboarding?
Skateboarding can provide numerous physical benefits such as strengthening muscles in the legs, core, and arms, improving flexibility and agility, and burning calories.

3. Can skateboarding help with weight loss?
Yes, skateboarding is an effective way to burn calories and can aid in weight loss when paired with a healthy diet and regular exercise routine.

4. Is skateboarding a suitable exercise for all ages?
While skateboarding can be enjoyed by people of all ages, it is important to consult with a doctor before starting if you have any pre-existing health conditions that could be affected by physical activity.

5. Does skateboarding require any specific gear for exercise purposes?
In addition to a skateboard, proper protective gear such as a helmet, wrist guards, elbow pads, and knee pads should be worn while skateboarding for optimal safety during exercise.

6. Are there any precautions that should be taken while using skateboarding as an exercise?
While skateboarding can have many health benefits, it is important to warm up before starting and always stay aware of your surroundings to avoid potential injuries. It is also crucial to practice proper technique and gradually increase difficulty levels to prevent strain on muscles or joints.

In conclusion, skateboarding can be considered a good exercise for overall health and fitness. It requires coordination, balance, strength, and endurance, making it a full-body workout. Not only does it improve physical health, but it also has numerous mental benefits such as boosting confidence and relieving stress.

Skateboarding has also been shown to have positive impacts on cardiovascular health, muscle development, and flexibility. It can be enjoyed by people of all ages and can be modified to fit different skill levels and fitness goals.

However, like any physical activity, skateboarding carries some risks and precautions should be taken to prevent injuries. It is important to have proper equipment, learn from qualified instructors or experienced skaters, and always wear protective gear.

Furthermore, skateboarding goes beyond just being a form of exercise. It is a culture that promotes creativity, self-expression, and community bonding. It encourages individuals to push their limits and try new things while also fostering a sense of belonging.

In conclusion, skateboarding is not only a good form of exercise but also a unique and engaging activity that offers both physical and mental benefits. With the proper precautions in place, it can be an enjoyable way to stay active and healthy for people of all ages. So why not grab your skateboard and hit the streets

Author Profile

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Genny Wilkinson Priest
Genny Wilkinson Priest began her journey into Ashtanga yoga in 2000 while working as a journalist in her native New York City. Initially drawn to the practice for its physical benefits, Genny soon discovered the profound mental advantages, especially during the challenging period following the 9/11 terror attacks.

Which she covered as a journalist for Reuters. Her professional career took her to Singapore, where she wrote for Time Magazine, and then to Paris, before she finally settled in London.

As her family expanded to include four boys, Genny decided to leave full-time journalism to immerse herself in yoga studies. She achieved certification as a Shri K Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute Authorised Level 1 teacher, a British Wheel of Yoga teacher, and a Yoga Alliance-certified teacher.Genny’s passion for yoga philosophy led her to pursue a Master’s Degree in the Traditions of Yoga and Meditation at SOAS in London.

From 2024, Genny Wilkinson Priest has started writing an informative blog on the “Niche Name” niche. She writes informative posts and answers queries on topics that people seek in the niche. This transition marks a significant shift from her previous focus on journalism and traditional media to a more interactive and digital form of communication.

Genny’s blog aims to provide valuable information and foster a community of yoga enthusiasts who can learn and grow together. Her extensive background in both journalism and yoga practice ensures that her content is both authoritative and engaging.